Prostatitis is the most common urological pathology, which is characterized by an inflammatory process in the prostate gland. According to statistics, it occurs in almost 40% of men, in the main risk group - patients aged 30-45 years. Almost every third visit to a urologist is related to this disease.
important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
The appearance of pathology is often facilitated by a decrease in immunity, hypothermia, the presence of bad habits and a sedentary lifestyle, lack of regular sexual activity, sexual infections. Treatment of prostatitis can be quite long, especially in the later stages of development. The sooner a person seeks medical help, the greater the chance of a successful recovery. In the absence of timely therapy, the risk of serious consequences increases, including infertility, problems with sexual function and urination.
In the article, we will talk about the mechanisms of disease development, symptoms and causes, as well as modern methods of treatment.
What is the prostate?
The prostate (or prostate gland) is an unpaired male organ that is responsible for producing secretions to maintain sperm activity. The organ is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. It is small in size - the size of a walnut, but it is extremely important for men's health.
The prostate gland supports the production of spermatozoa, ensures their movement and ejaculation, participates in the formation of sexual desire and the occurrence of orgasm, affects the activity of the testicles and the synthesis of androgens (male sex hormones).
All pathological processes in the prostate affect the composition of the prostate secretion. As a result, the quality of the sperm deteriorates and its ability to fertilize decreases. In addition, the risk of urinary tract infections increases because the prostate gland normally prevents bacteria from entering the urethra.
Unfortunately, diseases requiring treatment of the prostate are quite common. Usually it is about various tumor and hormonal processes. Prostatitis is considered one of the most common pathologies of the organ, as it has a different pathogenesis.
Symptoms of the disease
Symptoms of inflammation of the prostate can vary depending on the form of the disease diagnosed in the man. Regardless of the form, a comprehensive treatment is chosen to eliminate the existing symptoms.
There are 3 groups of symptoms characteristic of prostatitis:
- Pain syndrome. Pain in prostatitis can be different both in strength and localization. Sometimes the pain syndrome spreads to the lower abdomen, scrotum, perineum, anus and lower back. The more the inflammation develops, the more the pain worries the patient. The pain may become more intense during or after sexual activity or urination.
- Dysuric syndrome. Due to the increase in the size of the prostate, there is increased pressure on the ureters, which leads to a gradual reduction of the lumen. The patient has problems urinating, while after going to the toilet there is a feeling of a full bladder.
- Sexual deviations. In some cases, a man may experience frequent painful spontaneous erections or a complete lack of sexual arousal. Often, with prostatitis, orgasmic sensations fade, and intercourse itself becomes short, or the erection may completely disappear during intercourse.
One of the first signs of prostatitis in men is frequent urination and discomfort in the groin area. There is a burning sensation in the urethra, which increases during a trip to the toilet. There is general fatigue, reduced potency, accelerated or painful ejaculation. However, the disease is not always characterized by the appearance of appropriate symptoms. There are forms of prostatitis that are asymptomatic in the early stages. This means that diagnosing the pathology in such cases will be difficult.
reasons
Often, the disease occurs against the background of a decrease in immunity, in the presence of sexual infections or concomitant pathologies. A common cause of prostatitis is a bacterial infection, against the background of which inflammation of the tissues of the prostate gland begins.
There are many risk factors for the development of pathology, we will highlight the main ones:
- hypothermia. Hypothermia leads to severe stress in the body, which can provoke a weakening of the immune system. As a result, the pathogenic microflora begins to multiply actively, which leads to an inflammatory process.
- Inactive lifestyle. Sedentary work and lack of physical activity negatively affect the blood circulation of the pelvic organs. This leads to congestion and inflammation.
- Overweight. As a rule, overweight patients lead an inactive lifestyle, which leads to impaired blood circulation in the internal organs. Stagnant processes and inflammation develop in the tissues of the prostate gland. For this reason, normalizing weight is considered one of the main ways to prevent prostate diseases.
- The presence of chronic diseases. A focus of chronic infection in the body increases the risk of inflammation of the prostate.
- Chronic constipation. Retention of feces in the intestines leads to pressure on the prostate, which provokes a violation of blood circulation. In addition, constipation often contributes to the reproduction of pathogens.
- Injury to organs. In case of traumatic damage to the prostate or pelvic organs, blood flow worsens, local immunity decreases. This increases the risk of developing prostatitis.
- Characteristics of sexual activity. An overly active sex life or prolonged abstinence can also cause the onset of the disease.
In addition, any condition that suppresses the immune system can contribute to the development of the disease. We are talking about constant stress, lack of sleep, overwork.
Types of diseases
Often the symptoms of the pathology depend on its type and the nature of the course. There are several types of prostatitis, each of which has its own characteristics:
- bacterial. The most common type of disease that occurs as a result of bacterial infection and a decrease in immunity. There is an acute and chronic form of pathology. As a rule, a man is concerned about pain and discomfort in the perineum, urination disorders, deterioration of general well-being and fever. In severe cases, the presence of blood or pus in the urine is noted. However, these symptoms are more typical of the acute stage and relapses of the disease. In chronic prostatitis, the symptoms may be "blurred" or not manifest.
- abacterial. In this case, the disease is inflammatory and non-inflammatory in nature and is often called chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS). In this form of prostatitis, destructive changes are observed in the muscle tissue of the gland. Pathogens are autoimmune diseases, abnormalities in the development of the organ, chronic cystitis.
- at a standstill. This condition develops against the background of chronic prostatitis and is associated with impaired microcirculation and blood circulation in the pelvic organs. In addition, the pathology can manifest itself with a long absence of sexual intercourse, as this provokes stagnation of secretions in the prostate gland. Most often, patients with this form of the disease experience erectile dysfunction, problems with urination and discomfort in the groin area.
- calculous. The development of this form of prostatitis contributes to the appearance of concretions (stones) in the tissues of the prostate gland. As a rule, the disease occurs in patients older than 55-60 years. The causes of the pathology are the incorrect treatment of chronic prostatitis or urolithiasis. The characteristic symptoms of such prostatitis in men include impaired urination, weakening of the erection and the appearance of blood in the urine.
- Purulent. A dangerous consequence of improper treatment of acute prostatitis can be a purulent form of the disease. In this case, an acute pain syndrome develops that affects the entire area of the perineum and groin. A person has a sharp increase in temperature, severe problems with urination and the presence of purulent inclusions in the urine. Purulent prostatitis is considered the most dangerous, because if left untreated, it can cause an abscess and lead to death.
Diagnosis of prostatitis
The diagnosis of the disease is carried out by a urologist - it is worth making an appointment with him when characteristic symptoms appear. During the initial consultation, the specialist collects the patient's history, asks about existing complaints and conducts a rectal examination of the prostate gland. After that, a number of additional tests are prescribed, which are necessary to diagnose the existing type of prostatitis and prescribe competent treatment.
The survey includes:
- Ultrasound (TRUS) of the pelvic organs.
- Clinical blood test.
- General analysis of urine.
- Microscopic analysis of prostatic secretion.
- A swab from the urethra and bacterial culture of the discharge for the presence of sexually transmitted infections.
If necessary, the patient can be referred for additional tests: spermogram, CT (or MRI) of the pelvic organs.
important!
The information in this article should not be used for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. You should always consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Methods of treatment
Failure to properly treat prostatitis can lead to serious health problems. Often patients are diagnosed with complications such as cystitis, vesiculitis, pyelonephritis, infertility and erectile dysfunction. That is why the right choice of therapy is extremely important.
As a rule, the treatment of inflammation of the prostate involves an integrated approach, including medication and supportive care. In difficult cases, the patient undergoes surgery.
As part of drug therapy, antibiotics are prescribed to stop the inflammatory process. If the disease has an infectious-bacterial nature, then antibacterial treatment is additionally carried out.
Also, as part of drug therapy, drugs are used to eliminate existing symptoms. Can not be:
- Pain relievers.
- Antispasmodics and muscle relaxants.
- Diuretics.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- Medicines to normalize prostate function.
- Preparations for the restoration of erection.
A number of recommendations must be followed:
- Drink enough water throughout the day (1. 5-2 liters).
- Diet, exclusion from the diet of spicy, fatty and salty foods.
- Cut out alcohol.
Sometimes medicinal herbal preparations, which have a bactericidal effect, are used to relieve inflammation. However, the intake of infusions and decoctions is permissible only after consultation with a urologist. Remember that folk remedies are not a panacea for the disease and help only with the symptoms, but do not eliminate the cause.
An important component of treatment is prostate massage. It is performed in the absence of contraindications. The essence of this procedure is to remove the accumulated inflammatory secret from the body. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve tissue blood circulation, remove congestion, stimulate local immunity and restore the patency of secretory channels.
Another popular way is to use physical therapy. In the 21st century, it is difficult to imagine high-quality modern treatment of chronic prostatitis without the use of complex physiotherapy. With its help, it is possible to restore blood circulation in the pelvic organs, enhance the effect of drugs and remove congestion. Ultrasound, laser, thermal or electromagnetic effects are used as part of the therapy.
With a long course of the inflammatory process and a decrease in the patient's immunity, immunotherapy is prescribed. It includes taking immunomodulators and multivitamin complexes aimed at improving the body's protective functions and general well-being.
Sometimes the conservative treatment regimen for prostatitis does not bring the desired results, so the patient needs surgery.
Of course, the operation requires a long recovery and often provokes a number of complications, including infertility. Therefore, it is not used in young men of childbearing age.
Symptoms and treatment of acute prostatitis
Acute prostatitis is characterized by rapid onset and progression. It is worth noting that it occurs quite rarely - in about 5% of cases.
The inflammatory process in the prostate gland develops progressively, so several stages of the acute form can be distinguished:
- catarrhal. The inflammatory process affects individual lobes of the organ, affects the structure of the mucous membranes and the submucosal layer. As a result, congestion occurs in the follicles of the gland.
- Follicular. Focal suppuration of the affected lobes occurs.
- Parenchymal. There is a multiple lesion of the organ, almost all tissues are involved in the inflammatory process. An abscess is formed, which can open with the release of purulent contents into the bladder, urethra, or rectum.
Among the symptoms of acute prostatitis: intense pain, fever, chills, profuse sweating, weakness. This condition can be caused by various microorganisms. The most common causative agent is Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacter.
Treatment of the pathology should begin immediately after the first symptoms appear. As a rule, in such cases, it is possible to avoid complications and health consequences. The patient is given a combination of antibiotics that are effective against the existing pathogen. In this case, the effect of therapy is observed after 2-3 days. In the man, almost all symptoms disappear, the urination process normalizes and the signs of infection disappear.
In the absence of the necessary therapy, urinary tract obstruction and abscess may develop. Such conditions will require urgent hospitalization and often surgery.
Symptoms and treatment of chronic prostatitis
The chronic form of the disease is characterized by slow development. Symptoms are intermittent or absent, which is why many men ignore their presence for years and do not seek medical attention.
At the same time, at the beginning of the development of the pathology, patients note an increased sexual desire and spontaneous erections. But at the same time, such signs of chronic prostatitis as a decrease in the duration of intercourse and painful ejaculation appear. As the disease progresses, the symptoms become less pronounced, but the deterioration of well-being increases. Many complain about the lack of morning erection, decreased libido and increased sweating of the groin.
During an exacerbation of prostatitis in a man, there is pain in the genital area, impaired urination and fever. However, other symptoms of pathology may be absent, which often complicates the diagnosis.
An accurate diagnosis requires a comprehensive examination, which will include the collection of anamnesis, a rectal examination of the prostate gland and a series of laboratory tests. In some cases, additional instrumental methods are used.
Treatment of chronic prostatitis in chronic form takes from 3-4 weeks to 6-12 months. The removal of the causes of the inflammatory process in the prostate gland is of primary importance. Otherwise, it will not be possible to exclude the recurrent nature of the pathology.
Precautions
For the prevention of prostatitis in men, it is recommended to adjust the lifestyle and give up bad habits. This is due to the fact that if the factors favoring the development of the disease are preserved, its recurrence is possible. A key role in prevention is played by proper nutrition, good sleep and physical activity, regular sex life.
In addition, urologists advise to follow the following recommendations in order not to face inflammation of the prostate gland:
- Avoid hypothermia.
- For sedentary work, take regular short breaks and light exercise.
- Incorporate exercise and walking into your routine.
- Normalize nutrition and get rid of constipation (it is better to consult a specialist about the problem).
- Have a regular sex life with a regular partner.
- After 40 years of annual preventive examinations at a urologist.
And, of course, it is worth remembering that if signs of prostatitis appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. This is the only way to avoid dangerous health consequences.